Origin of the Snare Drum and a few Pointers in Playing It
It is the medieval tabor double headed drum which finds a place even today in European Folk music that went for a transformation and evolved into the snare drum. The initial uses of Snare Drums maybe traced back to the Swiss mercenary foot soldiers and then went on to become a popular military instrument throughout the 16th century. In fact it is with this large version of the snare drum that the word ‘drum’ was actually coined. The 18th century marked the introduction of the snare drums into the contemporary music scene with active participation in orchestra’s and similar musical shows.
Snare drums produce a type of cracking sound when beat with drumsticks. Conversely, brushes maybe used to evolve a subtler and stroked sound. There are some snare drums that are specially made for marching bands. The player of this drum appears to be extremely versatile while producing different kinds of sounds on beating the head, sides, and rim or with the sticks alone.
A prospective drummer wishing to master the entire drum set can start off with learning the snare drum besides becoming proficient in handling the toms, base drum, a high hat/symbol etc. Thus he can easily find a place in any rock and roll, rhythm and blues, jazz or country bands.
The first step in learning snare drums lies in mastering the roll which does not work if unnecessary pressure is applied. The most common mistakes a novice drummer is likely to make would be to force the roll or hit the drum head loosely which would cause the sticks to bounce off the drum.
You can carry your snare drum in conveniently designed backpack cases. A beginner can carry out his practice sessions on practice pads made out of rubber, available in exactly the same diameter and radius as Snare drums. These do not produce any sound and so the prospective drummer can practice hitting on it all he wants!
Snare drums produce a type of cracking sound when beat with drumsticks. Conversely, brushes maybe used to evolve a subtler and stroked sound. There are some snare drums that are specially made for marching bands. The player of this drum appears to be extremely versatile while producing different kinds of sounds on beating the head, sides, and rim or with the sticks alone.
A prospective drummer wishing to master the entire drum set can start off with learning the snare drum besides becoming proficient in handling the toms, base drum, a high hat/symbol etc. Thus he can easily find a place in any rock and roll, rhythm and blues, jazz or country bands.
The first step in learning snare drums lies in mastering the roll which does not work if unnecessary pressure is applied. The most common mistakes a novice drummer is likely to make would be to force the roll or hit the drum head loosely which would cause the sticks to bounce off the drum.
You can carry your snare drum in conveniently designed backpack cases. A beginner can carry out his practice sessions on practice pads made out of rubber, available in exactly the same diameter and radius as Snare drums. These do not produce any sound and so the prospective drummer can practice hitting on it all he wants!
